NJK14047 Suppression of the p38 MAPK Ameliorates OVA-Induced Allergic Asthma during Sensitization and Challenge Periods

p38 MAPK has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma as well as pro-allergic Th2 cytokines, orosomucoid-like protein isoform 3 (ORMDL3), regulation of sphingolipid biosynthesis, and regulatory T cell-derived IL-35. To elucidate the role of p38 MAPK in the pathogenesis of asthma, we examined the effect of NJK14047, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma; we administrated NJK14047 before OVA sensitization or challenge in BALB/c mice. As ORMDL3 regulation of sphingolipid biosynthesis has been implicated in childhood asthma, ORMDL3 expression and sphingolipids contents were also analyzed. NJK14047 inhibited antigen-induced degranulation of RBL-2H3 mast cells. NJK14047 administration both before OVA sensitization and challenge strongly inhibited the increase in eosinophil and lymphocyte counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, NJK14047 administration inhibited the increase in the levels of Th2 cytokines. Moreover, NJK14047 reduced the inflammatory score and the number of periodic acid-Schiff-stained cells in the lungs. Further, OVA-induced increase in the levels of C16:0 and C24:1 ceramides was not altered by NJK14047. These results suggest that p38 MAPK plays crucial roles in activation of dendritic and mast cells during sensitization and challenge periods, but not in ORMDL3 and sphingolipid biosynthesis.

Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein L14 Promotes Cell Growth and Invasion by Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species in Thyroid Cancer

Objectives@#. The mitochondrial ribosomal protein L14 (MRPL14) is encoded by a nuclear gene and participates in mitochondrial protein translation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of MRPL14 in thyroid cancer. @*Methods@#. We investigated the association between MRPL14 expression and clinicopathological features using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chungnam National University Hospital (CNUH) databases. Functional studies of MRPL14, including proliferation, migration, invasion, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, were performed in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) cell lines (B-CPAP and KTC-1). @*Results@#. Based on the TCGA dataset, PTC tissues lost mitochondrial integrity and showed dysregulated expression of overall mitoribosomal proteins (MRPs) compared with normal thyroid tissues. Of 78 MRPs, MRPL14 was highly expressed in thyroid cancer tissues. MRPL14 overexpression was significantly associated with advanced tumor stage, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis. MRPL14 increased cell proliferation of thyroid cancer and promoted cell migration via epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins. Moreover, MRPL14 knockdown reduced the expression of oxidative phosphorylation complex IV (MTCO1) and increased the accumulation of ROS. Cotreatment with a ROS scavenger restored cell proliferation and migration, which had been reduced by MRPL14 knockdown, implying that ROS functions as a key regulator of the oncogenic effects of MRPL14 in thyroid cancer cells. @*Conclusion@#. Our findings indicate that MRPL14 may promote cell growth, migration, and invasion by modulating ROS in thyroid cancer cells.

Revisiting Rhytisma lonicericola: Morphological Characterization and Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis

Rhytisma lonicericola was identified as a tar spot fungus on Lonicera sp. in 1902, and has since been recorded on several species of Lonicera in China, Japan, and Korea. Most of the previous records of R. lonicericola have been based on a list of disease occurrences in the absence of any formal morphological identification or molecular analyses. Using six newly obtained specimens collected in the past 2 years, we confirmed the tar spot fungus found on L. japonica in Korea as R. lonicericola based on morphological examinations and molecular phylogenetic analyses. This fungus was distinguished from R. xylostei, another tar spot fungus on Lonicera, by ascospore size and geographical distributions. We present detailed mycological information and, for the first time, DNA sequence data useful for the identification of R. lonicericola.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Focus on Immune-Subtyping, Oncogenic Fusion, and Recurrence

Objectives@#. Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine tumor, with rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. However, its transcriptomic characteristics associated with immunological signatures, driver fusions, and recurrence markers remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the transcriptomic characteristics of advanced papillary thyroid cancer. @*Methods@#. This study included 282 papillary thyroid cancer tumor samples and 155 normal samples from Chungnam National University Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital. Transcriptomic quantification was determined by high-throughput RNA sequencing. We investigated the associations of clinical parameters and molecular signatures using RNA sequencing. We validated predictive biomarkers using the Cancer Genome Atlas database. @*Results@#. Through a comparison of differentially expressed genes, gene sets, and pathways in papillary thyroid cancer compared to normal tumor-adjacent tissue, we found increased immune signaling associated with cytokines or T cells and decreased thyroid hormone synthetic pathways. In addition, patients with recurrence presented increased CD8+ T-cell and Th1-cell signatures. Interestingly, we found differentially overexpressed genes related to immune-escape signaling such as CTLA4, IDO1, LAG3, and PDCD1 in advanced papillary thyroid cancer with a low thyroid differentiation score. Fusion analysis showed that the PI3K and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were regulated differently according to the RET fusion partner genes (CCDC6 or NCOA4). Finally, we identified HOXD9 as a novel molecular biomarker that predicts the recurrence of thyroid cancer in addition to known risk factors (tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and extrathyroidal extension). @*Conclusion@#. We identified a high association with immune-escape signaling in the immune-hot group with aggressive clinical characteristics among Korean thyroid cancer patients. Moreover, RET fusion differentially regulated PI3K and MAPK signaling depending on the partner gene of RET, and HOXD9 was found to be a recurrence marker for advanced papillary thyroid cancer.

Kordyana commelinae Associated with White Smut-like Disease on Commelina communis and C. minor in Korea

A fungus of the genus Kordyana, found on leaves of Commelina communis and C. minor exhibiting white smut-like symptoms, was identified as Kordyana commelinae based on morphological characteristics and two rDNA sequence analyses. We report the novel occurrence of the genus Kordyana in Korea and the association of K. commelinae with the host plant species. As well, we provide the necessary mycological information to resolve species delimitation and taxonomic problems of Kordyana.

Development of Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4 (FFA4/GPR120) Agonists in Health Science

Till the 21st century, fatty acids were considered as merely building blocks for triglycerides, phospholipids, or cholesteryl esters.However, the discovery of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for free fatty acids at the beginning of the 21st century challenged that idea and paved way for a new field of research, merged into the field of receptor pharmacology for intercellular lipid mediators.Among the GPCRs for free fatty acids, free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4, also known as GPR120) recognizes long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. It is significant in drug discovery because it regulates obesity-induced metaflammation and GLP-1 secretion. Our study reviews information on newly developed FFA4 agonists and their application in pathophysiologic studies and drug discovery. It also offers a potency comparison of the FFA4 agonists in an AP-TGF-α shedding assay.

Kordyana commelinae Associated with White Smut-like Disease on Commelina communis and C. minor in Korea

A fungus of the genus Kordyana, found on leaves of Commelina communis and C. minor exhibiting white smut-like symptoms, was identified as Kordyana commelinae based on morphological characteristics and two rDNA sequence analyses. We report the novel occurrence of the genus Kordyana in Korea and the association of K. commelinae with the host plant species. As well, we provide the necessary mycological information to resolve species delimitation and taxonomic problems of Kordyana.

Macruropyxis fraxini on Fraxinus rhynchophylla: Confirmation in the Korean Peninsula after 82 Years and the First Record in South Korea

Macruropyxis fraxini has been recorded on several species of Fraxinus in China, Japan, Russia (Far East), and North Korea since its first recorded observation as a rust fungus on F. rhynchophylla in Jilin, China, in 1899. In the Korean Peninsula, the rust fungus was first recorded on F. rhynchophylla in 1935, based on four specimens collected at Mt. Kumgangsan, Gangwondo Province, in the North Korean territory. We confirmed this rust in the Korean Peninsula after 82 years. The rust fungus was identified based on morphological characteristics and a molecular phylogenetic analysis. This is the first record of M. fraxini in South Korea.

Macruropyxis fraxini on Fraxinus rhynchophylla: Confirmation in the Korean Peninsula after 82 Years and the First Record in South Korea

Macruropyxis fraxini has been recorded on several species of Fraxinus in China, Japan, Russia (Far East), and North Korea since its first recorded observation as a rust fungus on F. rhynchophylla in Jilin, China, in 1899. In the Korean Peninsula, the rust fungus was first recorded on F. rhynchophylla in 1935, based on four specimens collected at Mt. Kumgangsan, Gangwondo Province, in the North Korean territory. We confirmed this rust in the Korean Peninsula after 82 years. The rust fungus was identified based on morphological characteristics and a molecular phylogenetic analysis. This is the first record of M. fraxini in South Korea.

Identifying Minimum Data Sets of Oral Mucous Integrity Assessment for Documentation Systematization / 중환자간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify minimum data sets for oral mucous integrity-related documentation and to analyze nursing records for oral care.METHODS: To identify minimum data sets for oral status, the authors reviewed 26 assessment tools and a practical guideline for oral care. The content validity of the minimum data sets was assessed by three nurse specialists. To map the minimum data sets to nursing records, the authors examined 107 nursing records derived from 44 patients who received chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in one tertiary hospital.RESULTS: The minimum data sets were 10 elements such as location, mucositis grade, pain, hygiene, dysphagia, exudate, inflammation, difficulty speaking, and moisture. Inflammation contained two value sets: type and color. Mucositis grade, pain, dysphagia and inflammation were recorded well, accounting for a complete mapping rate of 100%. Hygiene (100%) was incompletely mapped, and there were no records for exudate (83.2%), difficulty speaking (99.1%), or moisture (88.8%).CONCLUSION: This study found that nursing records on oral mucous integrity were not sufficient and could be improved by adopting minimum data sets as identified in this study.

Synthetic 3′,4′-Dihydroxyflavone Exerts Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects in BV2 Microglia and a Mouse Model

Neuroinflammation is an immune response within the central nervous system against various proinflammatory stimuli. Abnormal activation of this response contributes to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington disease. Therefore, pharmacologic modulation of abnormal neuroinflammation is thought to be a promising approach to amelioration of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we evaluated the synthetic flavone derivative 3′,4′-dihydroxyflavone, investigating its anti-neuroinflammatory activity in BV2 microglial cells and in a mouse model. In BV2 microglial cells, 3′,4′-dihydroxyflavone successfully inhibited production of chemokines such as nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 and proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 in BV2 microglia. It also inhibited phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation. This indicates that the anti-inflammatory activities of 3′,4′-dihydroxyflavone might be related to suppression of the proinflammatory MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Similar anti-neuroinflammatory activities of the compound were observed in the mouse model. These findings suggest that 3′,4′-dihydroxyflavone is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of microglia-related neuroinflammatory diseases.

Effects of School-Based Social Skills Training Program on Alexithymic Tendency: Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study are to evaluate the effect of a school-based social skills training program on the emotional regulation of children and adolescents and to assess the plan for effective school-based mental health services. METHODS: The Child and Adolescent Mental health promotion team of Bugok National Hospital conducted school-based social skills training (N=90, 7 sessions) for elementary and middle school students. Evaluations were conducted before and after the application of the program using a prosocial behavior questionnaire, a cohesiveness questionnaire, the Korean version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, a self-esteem scale, and the Novaco anger scale, in order to identify any changes. RESULTS: The social skills training program increased the prosocial behavior and cohesiveness of the children and adolescents and decreased their alexithymic tendency and degree of anger, but did not significantly change their self-esteem. CONCLUSION: The social skills training program positively influences the emotional and behavioral levels of children and adolescents. The emotional regulation program based on a social skills training program is expected to have positive results in school-based mental health services. Future investigations are needed to validate the long term effects of this program.

Effects of a Stress-Management Program on Stress Coping Methods, Interpersonal Relations, and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Mental Illness / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a stress-management program on stress coping methods, interpersonal relations and quality of life in patients with chronic mental illness. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pre-posttest design was used for this quasi-experimental study. The study was conducted from May 1 to December 30, 2010. The 41 participants in this study were selected from patients with chronic mental illness (20 for the experimental group and 21 for the control group). Datas were analyzed chi2-test, t-test, paired t-test, and one-way ANCOVA with the SPSS/WIN 15.0 program. RESULTS: There were significant changes in stress coping methods scores, interpersonal relations scores and quality of life scores in the experimental group before and after treatment, which were significantly different from those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that the stress-management program resulted in significant improvement in stress coping methods, interpersonal relations and quality of life for patients with chronic mental illness. Therefore, this study shows stress-management programs are useful in clinical practice as effective nursing interventions in patients with chronic mental illness.

Expression of Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Developing Rat Tooth Germs / 체질인류학회지

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are a family of secreted molecules that were identified as natural inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Tooth histomorphogenesis and cytodifferentiation are accompanied by rapid changes in cellular organization and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, in which MMPs and TIMPs might be expected to play significant roles. This study examined the expression and localization of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 during the molar development of rats. The expression patterns of TIMPs were determined from Sprague-Dawley rat pups including the developing molars using RT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescent staining. Gene and protein quantification analyses showed that both TIMPs increased from the cap stage to the root stage tooth germs. In contrast, the immunofluorescent data showed that they were expressed slight differentially. TIMP-1 was strongly expressed in secretory ameloblasts and moderate immunoreactivity was observed along the basement membrane. TIMP-2 expression was also detected in the basement membrane. Although strong immunoreactivity was observed in the secretory ameloblasts and enamel matrix itself, differentiated odontoblasts showed weak reactivity. However, little reactivity for both TIMPs were detected in the cap stage tooth germs and surrounding tissues. These distinct temporospatial expression patterns of TIMPs suggest that the TIMPs may play a variety of roles including dental hard tissue formation during molar tooth development.

Growth Changes after One Year of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment in Idiopathic True Precocious Puberty Girls: Multicenter Study in Honam Area / 대한소아내분비학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) on growth and sex hormone changes in idiopathic true precocious puberty girls. METHODS: From January 2003 through May 2007, forty-three female children, who were diagnosed as idiopathic true precocious puberty and were administered GnRHa for one year were enrolled in this retrospective study. We divided the patients into two groups according to midparental height (MPH) minus predicted adult height (PAH) (MPH-PAH > or = 5 cm, or MPH-PAH or = 5 cm), height standard deviation score for bone age (Ht SDS for BA) was significantly increased before and after treatment (-1.8 +/- 0.7 vs. -1.3 +/- 0.8). PAH after treatment was increased to 153.6 +/- 5.8 cm from 149.1 +/- 4.6 cm before treatment (PAH gain 4.5 +/- 4.4 cm). Furthermore, as MPH-PAH increased, so did PAH gain (r = 0.59, P or = 5 cm) before treatment attained significant height gain with GnRHa administration. The successful gonadal suppression was also observed.

Growth Changes after One Year of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment in Idiopathic True Precocious Puberty Girls: Multicenter Study in Honam Area / 대한소아내분비학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) on growth and sex hormone changes in idiopathic true precocious puberty girls. METHODS: From January 2003 through May 2007, forty-three female children, who were diagnosed as idiopathic true precocious puberty and were administered GnRHa for one year were enrolled in this retrospective study. We divided the patients into two groups according to midparental height (MPH) minus predicted adult height (PAH) (MPH-PAH > or = 5 cm, or MPH-PAH or = 5 cm), height standard deviation score for bone age (Ht SDS for BA) was significantly increased before and after treatment (-1.8 +/- 0.7 vs. -1.3 +/- 0.8). PAH after treatment was increased to 153.6 +/- 5.8 cm from 149.1 +/- 4.6 cm before treatment (PAH gain 4.5 +/- 4.4 cm). Furthermore, as MPH-PAH increased, so did PAH gain (r = 0.59, P or = 5 cm) before treatment attained significant height gain with GnRHa administration. The successful gonadal suppression was also observed.

Jervell and Lange-Nielsen Syndrome: Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutations in the KCNQ1 in a Korean Family

The Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome (JLNS) is an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by congenital deafness and cardiac phenotype (QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden death). JLNS has been shown to occur due to homozygous mutation in KCNQ1 or KCNE1. There have been a few clinical case reports on JLNS in Korea; however, these were not confirmed by a genetic study. We identified compound heterozygous mutations in KCNQ1 in a 5-yr-old child with JLNS, who visited the hospital due to recurrent syncope and seizures and had congenital sensorineural deafness. His electrocardiogram revealed a markedly prolonged corrected QT interval with T wave alternans. The sequence analysis of the proband revealed the presence of novel compound heterozygous deletion/splicing error mutations (c.828-830 delCTC, p.S277del/c.921G>A, p.V307V). Each mutation in KCNQ1 was identified on the maternal and paternal side. With beta-blocker therapy the patient has remained symptom-free for three and a half years.

The Stabilizing Method of Zygomatic Arch Fracture Using Aqua Splint Suture Technique / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The zygomatic arch is the bony arch on both sides of the face consisting of the zygomatic bone. The zygomatic fractures are common maxillofacial injuries second only to nasal fractures due to its anatomical location of its structures. Various techniques have been applied for the treatment of zygomatic arch fractures but there is no desirable modality not only for the reduction but also for supporting depressed bony fragments without esthetic problems. The authors suggest aqua splint suture method, which is a new modality for the treatment of zygomatic arch fractures. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In the period from March of 2004 to March of 2005, nine patients who had been performed reduction for zygomatic arch fractures were selected for clinical analysis. We repositioned depressed bony fragments by Gillies approach and stabilized repositioned bony fragments by external & internal fixation using aqua splint suture method. RESULTS: There were eight men and one woman, ranging in age from 19 to 68 years. All patients had chief complaints for trismus and facial deformities. Postoperative photographs and computed tomography, checked after 3 postoperative months, showed that all patients had the good facial contour and well stabilized bony fragments. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that aqua splint suture method is a very simple, quick & effective technique for stabilizing repositioned zygomatic arch fractures.

A Case of Merkel Cell Carcinoma in the Auricle / 대한이비인후과학회지

Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon neuroendocrine neoplasm of the skin and arises in adults with a peak incidence in the sixth and seventh decades. Head and neck area and extremities are the most common location. Among primary sites of head and neck area, auricular Merkel cell carcinoma has proven to be rare and only twenty cases have been reported in the literature worldwide until today. The authors report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma in auricle for the first time in Korea with a review of literatures.

Combination Therapy of Earlobe Keloids / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES : Keloids are proliferative growths of dermal collagen which extends beyond the original wound. Many modalities are available for treatment of keloids but there is no desirable modality to prevent the recurrence of keloids until now. The authors suggest that the combination therapy of surgical excision, steroid injection and compression therapy is an effective method for prevention of recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHOD : Eleven patients who underwent surgical excision for earlobe keloids in the period from June of 2003 to July of 2005 were selected for clinical analysis. We injected steroid at the surgical margin after excision and compressed it by aluminum splint after skin closure. RESULTS : There were four men and seven women, ranging in age from 13 to 60 years (mean age, 29.2 years). The causes of keloids were earring in seven cases, trauma in two cases and middle ear surgery in two case. The keloids appeared at 1 to 17 years (mean, 3.9 years) after earring, trauma or middle ear surgery, and follow-up period ranged from 3 to 28 months (mean, 9.3 month). The sizes of keloids varied from 0.6x0.3x0.2 cm to 3.4x2.3x1.3 cm. Only one out of the 11 cases recurred and the remaining 10 cases had good results without recurrence. CONCLUSION : We believe that the combination therapy of surgical excision, steroid injection and compression by aluminum splint is a very effective therapy for treatment of earlobe keloids.